Word Origin & History

late 14c., "have a strong effect on the mind or heart," from Latin impressus, past participle of imprimere "press into or upon, stamp," from assimilated form of in- "into, in, on, upon" (see in- (2)) + premere "to press" (see press (v.1)). Literal sense of "to apply with pressure, make a permanent image in, indent, imprint" is from early 15c. in English. Sense of "to levy for military service" is from 1590s, a meaning more from press (v.2). Related: Impressed; impressing.

Example Sentences forimpress

Boys were flogged at boundaries, to impress the boundaries on their memory.

Boys were flogged when criminals were hanged, to impress the awful warning on them.

The Eastern end of the Cathedral does not impress the beholder.

She said this calmly and quietly, as though to impress her informant and reassure him.

These performances, I gather, are to impress upon you that he is a free man and your equal.

Obviously, a public building is meant to impress the public.

Endeavour to impress that upon her at your leisure, if you please.'

It was not for him—not even to impress him, except as a messenger.

He says you must impress the public, and so he is going in for fine offices.'